Departure for Washington.—Patriotism of the Williamsport
Ladies.—Arrival at the Capital.—Camp Granger.—Destroying a
Liquor Establishment.—“Cleaning-out” a Clam Peddler.—Review by
Governor Morgan.—First Death in the Regiment.—First Battle of
Bull Run.—Changes among the Officers.
About noon on Tuesday, the 8th, the Companies marched down to the depot,
preceded by the Elmira Cornet Band, which had been attached to the
Regiment. Two hours later they moved away, amidst tremendous cheering
from the assembled multitude, waving of handkerchiefs, throwing of
bouquets, &c.
On reaching Williamsport, Pa., the ladies of the place crowded around
the cars, showering oranges, apples, cakes and other edibles upon the
men, filling their canteens with coffee, and in other ways displaying
their patriotism and hospitality. They will long be held in grateful
remembrance by the Regiment. Passing through Harrisburg the train reached
Baltimore about noon, the men marching through the streets with fixed
bayonets to the Washington Depot.
When within about fifteen miles of Baltimore, some fifty of the officers
and men, who had gone in search of water on the stoppage of the train,
were left, much to their own chagrin and the amusement of the Regiment.
Arriving in Washington at three o’clock P.M., the Companies formed and
proceeded down Pennsylvania Avenue to the various quarters assigned them.
It rained fiercely that afternoon, and they were glad enough to get under
shelter, without waiting to gratify their curiosity by an inspection of
the Capitol buildings.
The next day, Wednesday, they were marched out on Seventh Street, two
and one-half miles from the city, to the spot designated for their
encampment, which was named “Camp Granger,” in honor of Gen. John A.
Granger, Esq., of Canandaigua, who had interested himself much in behalf
of the Regiment. This was the first experience of most of the men in the
art of castramentation, and many were the droll incidents which occurred
in connection with the pitching of the tents. After repeated trials,
however, they were all satisfactorily adjusted.
The habitations completed, drilling was the next thing in order, which,
together with target-shooting, scouting, and mock skirmishing, was kept
up from day to day. The first lessons in “guard running” were learned
here, many of the men managing to escape to the city, under cover of
night, and return without detection before the sounding of the morning
_reveille_. As a general thing they were temperate and abstemious
in their habits, manifesting their disrelish for ardent spirits, by
destroying on one occasion a liquor establishment which had been opened
on the grounds. There were some, however, who, thinking it necessary to
partake of their “bitters,” would smuggle liquor into camp, bringing it
in in their gun barrels, or by some other ingenious means.
[Illustration: CAMP GRANGER.]
One afternoon a clam peddler was so imprudent as to leave his wagon
for a few moments within the camp enclosure. A mischievous member of
Company—observing this, cautiously removed the end board, and, mounting
the driver’s seat, started the horse off at a rapid pace, scattering
the bivalves along the ground in front of the tents for several rods.
All the boys were heartily regaled on clam soup that night, greatly to
the discomfiture of the peddler, who ever afterwards steered clear of
the Thirty-third. Many other incidents of a similar character served to
relieve the monotony of camp life.
Governor Morgan inspected the Regiment on one occasion. Sickness, arising
from change of climate and damp weather, had thinned out the ranks to
some extent, but they made a fine appearance while passing in review
before him, and the Governor expressed himself highly pleased with their
_morale_ and general condition. Frequent visits were received from
members of the Sanitary Commission, who made contributions of various
articles from time to time.
The first death in the Regiment occurred here. E. Backerstose, a member
of Company H, was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun. The
remains were forwarded, in charge of some of his comrades, to Geneva,
where his parents resided.
It was while the Regiment was encamped at Camp Granger that the first
battle of Bull Run was fought, July 21st. From sunrise until sunset,
through the long hours of that memorable Sabbath day, the booming of
cannon could be distinctly heard in the distance. Every rumor that
reached the city was conveyed to and circulated through the camp,
producing the most feverish excitement on the part of the men, and an
eager desire to cross over the Potomac and participate in the conflict.
Towards evening it appeared as if their wishes were to be gratified, the
Thirty-third, together with several other regiments, receiving marching
orders. All sprang with alacrity to their places, and moved off in the
direction of Long Bridge. On reaching the Treasury Department, however,
the orders were countermanded, and the men returned to camp, uncertain of
the fortunes of the day, fearful of what the morrow would bring forth.
What followed the unhappy termination of the engagement at Manassas is
familiar to every one. The Thirty-third shared in the universal gloom
which for a time settled, down upon the nation. Instead, however, of
occasioning despondency and despair, the Bull Run defeat furnished an
additional incentive to action, and the soldiers impatiently bided their
time. Captain Aikens, of Company C, resigned here, and was succeeded
by First Lieutenant Chester H. Cole. Lieutenant Schott, Company C, was
succeeded by L. C. Mix, Commissary Sergeant; John Connor, of Company E,
and William Riker, died of disease.
[Illustration: CHAIN BRIDGE.]